Design Modifications

Flat Packs, Pre-Fabs and Pre-Approved Designs

When planning a backyard cottage, we draw inspiration from the same sources as we do for clothes, haircuts, and furniture. Inspiration comes from photos on the internet, places we’ve visited, or people we’ve met. It’s about drawing from what has come before us.

Narrowing Your Design Choices

When embarking on the DADU journey, clients often struggle with where to begin the design process. The sheer number of options can be overwhelming, especially when considering a fully custom route that is only limited by permitting guidelines. Whether you require minor adjustments to an existing design or have a concept inspired by a pre-built backyard cabin, a professional architect can assist you.

We make modifications and build on Inspiration

A Good Place to Begin the Design Journey is the Seattle Pre Approved designs.

The 10 pre-approved DADU (Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit) Designs in Seattle offer a faster, easier, and more predictable permitting process. Typically, a permit is obtained in 2-6 weeks. However, while these plans are excellent, they may not fully meet your backyard needs. We can make minor modifications with our architectural team, but significant changes will require a more complex permitting process, which may cause delays. Nevertheless, it’s important that you love your DADU because it’s just right!

Prefab Cabin

Below is a modified flat pack backyard cottage from Kangroom Systems

The Kangaroom Modern Studio was transformed into a one-bedroom Modern Cottage for one of our South Seattle DADUs. The Kangaroom cottage was delivered from WACO Texas on a flatbed truck. The entire outside structure was delivered in pre-fabricated walls. Our architect worked with them to create this L-shaped model designed specifically for this homeowner’s lot.

A Cottage Built for Your Yard & Aesthetic

Ballard Backyard Cottages is here to be your partner in building the perfect Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit (DADU) for your backyard. If you’re worried about potential zoning and permitting conflicts with your modified or inspired DADU design, we’ll handle the interference and keep construction moving forward.

A custom staircase with storage, a vaulted ceiling, and a one-of-a-kind fireplace are just some of the unique modifications that make each backyard cottage different.

Blending Design to Meet Your Vision

Our Alki Beach DADU is loosely based on a pre-approved design. Several modifications were necessary to make it work for the homeowner, which resulted in a slight delay in the permitting process. However, for them, it was well worth the extra time.

The Pella windows installed in the Alki Beach DADU are standard for us at Ballard Backyard Cottages. They are customizable and always look great!

If you see a Detached Accessory Dwelling that you like and are ready to make design changes, fill out the form, and we will contact you!

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